Description

Coreopsis lanceolata

lanceleaf tickseed

lance-leaved coreopsis

sand coreopsis

Coreopsis lanceolata is a low growing wildflower that typically does not exceed a height of 3'. The 2" across daisy-like flowers consist of an orange central disk, surrounded by 8, deep-yellow, lobed rays. The foliage is predominantly basal, with a few sparse leaves along the lower part of each flowering stem. These leaves are lance-shaped - hence the epithet lanceolata - and sometimes deeply lobed, with each lobe also lance-shaped and cut almost back to the stem. Each plant may have several flowering stems, each of which will divide in to several leafless peduncles that are terminated by a single flower.

Cultivation

Lanceleaf tickseed is very easy to grow. It likes a lot of sun, and is not very particular about soil so long as it is well drained and on the dry side. It thrives in poor soil, is often found along roadsides, as well as abandoned fields, and will readily colonies disturbed sites. It will tolerate moist, rich soil, so long as it is very well drained, however, under those conditions it can easily become out-competed by more vigorous species. Individual plants can be short-lived, but this species is a vigorous self-seeder ensuring a perennial presence. The blooming period lasts about a month beginning early to mid-summer, but can be extended by dead-heading spent flowers. Zones 5-9

Propagation

Easy to propagate from seed. Basal rosettes can be divided in early spring or fall.

Additional Notes

The seeds have tiny hairs that tend to attach themselves to fur or clothing when brushed, hence the common name tickseed. Leafy basal rosettes may persist through early winter.